Reduce Hayfever and Allergies This Spring

Spring is upon us! The sun is shining, birds chirping… and grass clippings and pollen are blowing. This can be a tricky time for some of us as our allergies spike causing us to have hay fever, eczema, asthma headaches, fatigue and irritability.

Here are 5 things you can do to fight off hayfever and allergies:

1.      Avoid foods containing high levels of histamines

Histamine is a chemical that is naturally found in the cells of our bodies (including immune cells, intestinal cells and the brain) that is triggered by inflammation, injury, infections or allergens. It is also found in grass, flowers and in a varying amount of foods, which can accumulate to increasing our body’s levels, therefore increasing allergic responses.

Foods that contain HIGH histamine levels include:

• Tomatoes

• Avocado

• Spinach

• Strawberries

• Pine nuts, peanuts, sesame seeds

• Fermented foods

• Coffee

• Cocoa

• Alcohol

2.      Add omega 3 fatty acids to your diet

 These help to reduce inflammation and increase the breakdown of histamines in the body.

Foods high in omega 3:

• Fish oils

• Flax seeds & oil

• Chia seeds

3.      Eat local honey

Try having a little bit of local honey eat day in the months leading up to hay fever season. This can decrease sensitivity to pollens through stimulation of the blocking antibodies.

4.      Eat more garlic and ginger

 Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory, helpful for reducing hay fever symptoms. Garlic contains antibiotic properties and can help prevent sinus congestion.

5.      Maintain a dust-free environment

Dust mites contribute to hay fever, so keeping the house and your work environment dust-free is important. Chronic sufferers should consider removing carpets, feather quilts and pillows.

*References available on request